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Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates
Last updated: Oct 15th 2022
Follow our latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Japan.
In summary
Since October 11th 2022, Japan has fully reopened its borders to tourists, allowing visa-free, independent tourism once again 🙌
- A visa is no longer required for short stays (up to 90 days).
- It's not necessary to book through a travel agency.
- Daily entry caps have been phased out entirely.
Table of contents
As borders re-open, we'll no longer be updating this page regularly. Always check official venue websites for their latest updates.
Travel Updates
Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel
Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish daily arrival caps from Oct 11th, announces Prime Minister Kishida. Via Japan Times
Borders open for Tour Groups
Japan's cautious reopening to overseas tourists coincides with strict infection-prevention measures and rules for those hoping to visit Japan. Via Nippon
Priority Entry for Business/Students: Further Easing
In addition to relaxed border controls introduced March 1st for business travellers and students, the daily cap is expected to be raised to 7,000 from March 14th. Via The Mainichi
Japan Could Ease Border Controls from March
Prime Minister Kishida announced on Feb 12th the possibility during a visit to Haneda Airport, with the deadline for current measures currently set for Feb 28th. Via Asahi News
Omicron Measures Extended to March 6th: Tokyo and 12 More Prefectures
Prime Minister Kishida announced an extension of quasi-state of emergencies for Tokyo and 12 prefectures by three weeks to stem the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Via Kyodo
Quasi-Emergency Extended from Jan 27th: 34 Prefectures, including Shizuoka, Nagano & Fukuoka
Quasi-emergency measures are expanded from Jan 27th to cover 34 prefectures in Japan. Such measures allow governors to request shortened business hours for restaurants and restrictions on serving alcohol. Via Kyodo
Quasi-Emergency Expands: 13 More Prefectures, including Tokyo, Expected To Be Added
Quasi-emergency measures are expected to be brought to Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures from January 21 through February 13, bringing the total to 16 prefectures under such measures. Via NHK
Quasi-Emergency: Okinawa, Hiroshima & Yamaguchi
Quasi-emergency measures were announced in 3 prefectures to stem high Omicron infections, in part due to outbreaks at US military bases in those prefectures. Via Kyodo News
Omicron Variant: Japan Re-Closes to New Foreign Visitors
Effective Tues Nov 30th, Japan reverses previous border measures (provisionally for one month) for businesspeople, students and technical interns who will not be allowed into Japan. Japanese nationals or foreign residents remain unaffected, but new quarantine procedures are announced for those arriving from at-risk countries. Via Japan Times
Entry Restrictions Eased for Business Travellers, Students and Interns
Effective Nov 8th, international border restrictions were lifted for businesspeople, students and technical interns coming to Japan. This includes those visiting Japan for short business trips, or longer-term transfers. Unlike the current 14-day quarantine window, vaccinated business travellers only have to self-quarantine for 3 days, with sponsoring companies observing for an additional 7 days. For vaccinated students/trainees, the quarantine window is down to 10 days. Via Asahi News
Early Closure/Alcohol Rules Lifted in Tokyo & Osaka
Following the ending of last month's State of Emergency, some coronavirus safety rules (e.g. restricted opening hours until 8pm and serving of alcohol) that were kept in place are finally being removed in Tokyo and Osaka, as well as Chiba, Saitama, Hyogo and Kanagawa. Via Kyodo News
State of Emergency Extends to Sept 30
Japan's Covid-19 State of Emergency is extended until Sep 30 in a total of 19 prefectures – with quasi measures extended to 8 prefectures and lifted in another 6 prefectures. Via Kyodo News
State of Emergency Widens & Extends to Sept 12
With the Delta variant contributing to increasing infections, a total of 29 prefectures will be placed under Covid-19 emergency measures. Via Kyodo News
New State of Emergency to Be In Place By Olympics
A fresh COVID-19 state of emergency has been decided for the duration of the Olympics in an effort to curb a recent infection surge. Via Kyodo News
State of Emergency to be Lifted in 9 prefectures
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced Japan's third State of Emergency would be lifted on June 20 in 9 prefectures, with the exception of Okinawa which extends until July 11. Seven prefectures will continue to be subject to quasi-emergency measures — including asking establishments to close by 8pm and stop serving alcohol by 7pm. Via Japan Times
EU adds Japan to Safe Travel List
EU recommends to its member states to add Japan to its list of safe countries where restrictions on non-essential travel by Japan residents can be gradually lifted Via Japan Times
State of Emergency Extended to June 20th
Prime Minister Suga announces extension to existing State of Emergency with the order to remain for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima. Via Japan Times
State of Emergency Expanded to Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima
State of Emergency measures expanded to 8 prefectures in new move that replaces earlier 'quasi-emergency' plans. Japan is grappling with a continual surge just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics is expected to start. Via Kyodo News
State of Emergency Extended to May 31
State of Emergency measures continue in Tokyo & Osaka, also expanded to other prefectures (Aichi, Fukuoka). Via Kyodo News
Third State of Emergency Confirmed: April 25–May 11
Japan's 3rd State of Emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo and extends through Golden Week, with new measures to curb entertainment venues, events and gatherings. Via Kyodo News
Quasi-emergency COVID-19 measures start in Osaka, Hyogo, Miyagi
The three prefectures are the first to see special, stricter measures introduced following a February law change. Via Kyodo News
Vaccine Rollout Continues
Japan's vaccine rollout started in late February and continues with a 6th batch of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine received. Via Kyodo News
No Entry for Overseas Spectators to Tokyo 2020
Japan's vaccine rollout started in late February and continues to ramp up the pace, with a 6th batch of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine received. Via Tokyo 2020
State of Emergency Extended until March 7th
Japan's second State of Emergency is extended until March 7th to help overcome pressure on hospitals in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa and Osaka. Via Kyodo News
Second State of Emergency: Extended to Seven More Prefectures
A second State of Emergency is extended to help overcome rising infections in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka. Via Japan Times
Second State of Emergency: Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama & Kanagawa
A second month-long State of Emergency is declared to help overcome rising infections in 4 of Japan's prefectures. Via Japan Times
Foreign Visitors Halted over New Virus Strain
Foreign visitors have been banned from entering Japan around the same time as the domestic Go To Travel campaign sees a suspension. Via Japan Times
Health Monitoring Centres for Tourists in March
The government is expected to launch a dedicated health monitoring center in March 2021, to help register and document the health of international tourist arrivals next Spring. Read More
Govt Sets Negative Test Requirement
Entry to Japan for the time being will require a negative COVID-19 test result conducted witin 72 hours of the departure flight. Via MoFA
PCR Test Center Opens at Narita Airport
On-the-spot testing facility opens at Narita Airport to provide travellers proof of negative coronavirus tests before embarking to travel overseas. Via Narita Airport
Border Restrictions Relaxed for Non-Tourist Visas
From October, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announces a wider scope for visa applications for those visiting Japan to work, study, visit relatives and more. Via Japan Times
Re-Entry Restrictions for Foreign Residents To Be Lifted from Sept 1st
Foreign residents stuck overseas will finally be permitted to re-enter Japan under new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) infection test rules. Read More
Re-Entry Permitted to Foreign Nationals Stuck Overseas
Policy change will allow Japan's foreign residents who may be stuck overseas, like Permanent Residence holder or spouses of Japanese nationals, to re-enter if they left Japan before travel restrictions were originally imposed in April. Read More
Alert Raised for 17 New Countries/Regions
Travel advisory raised for Palestine and 16 countries, including Nepal, Kenya and Venezuela, over concerns with the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read More
18 Countries Added to Entry Ban List
Japan expands its entry ban to visitors from 18 nations, including Cuba, as a continued step to help curtail the spread of coronavirus. Read More
Japan's Contract Tracing App Launched
Free Microsoft-developed app is launched for Android and iOS. 'COCOA: COVID-19 Contact App' aims to alert users if they been in close proximity to someone infected with coronavirus. Read More
Tokyo Lifts Coronavirus Alert
An alert warning about possible increases in coronavirus infections in Tokyo was lifted, in another step towards a full resumption of economic activity. Read More
Travel alert raised for 18 new countries
The countries, mostly in Africa and Central America, may be added to a list totalling 111 countries and territories that would mean denied entry to Japan if visited within two weeks of arrival. Read More
Re-Entry Rules Relaxed for Foreign Residents
Move reverses a re-entry ban and policy that favoured Japanese nationals repatriating but banned foreign residents from returning to their home in Japan for any reason, even humanitarian. Read More
Japan expected to lift emergency procedures on Monday
Lifting is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday 25th May, following a continuous fall in infection rates. Such a move would apply to Tokyo and it surrounding prefectures (Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa) as well as Hokkaido. Read More
State of emergency lifted in Osaka and surrounding area
The state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus is lifted in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo. Now 42 out of 47 prefectures have seen their emergency measures ended. Read More
State of emergency lifted in most of Japan
The state of emergency imposed due to the coronavirus is lifted in 39 out of 47 prefectures, after a sharp fall in new infections. Read More
Govt Considers Lifting Emergency in Less-Affected Prefectures
In consultation with a panel of experts, the government considers partially lifting restrictions in 34 prefectures. Read More
Abe Extends State of Emergency to May 31st
Abe makes announcement to extend nationwide State of Emergency to help reduce rate of new coronavirus infections. Read More
Japanese Govt Plans Contact-Tracing App for May
Smartphone app planned for early May will help warn users if they have been in contact with a diagnosed Covid-19 patient. Read More
Nationwide State of Emergency Declared
Abe expands state of emergency to cover entire nation on Thursday to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Abe Announces State of Emergency
Government poised to declare state of emergency from Tuesday, covering Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Chiba, Saitama, Hyogo and Fukuoka. Read More
Tokyo Governor Issues Stay at Home Request
To counter an increase in confirmed infections, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government asks residents to work from home and refrain from going out in evenings and weekends. Read More
Tokyo 2020: Officially Postponed until 2021
IOC announces decision to postpone the Olympic Games to no later than the summer of 2021, to safeguard the health of athletes, those involved in delivering the Games and the international community. Read More
Visa exemption measures suspended for Schengen countries, rest of EU
Effective 21st March, 00:00 JST: Holders of a passport issued by affected countries (see MOFA site), intending to enter Japan without obtaining a visa, will not be permitted to land. Read More
Japan asks Europe visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days,extends entry ban
Effective 21st March, 00:00 JST: Government plans to impose new restrictions on visitors from about 30 European countries, including Britain, France and Germany. Entry bans extend to cover Iceland and parts of Spain, Italy and Switzerland. Read More
Japan mulls entry ban for Italy visitors
Government sources suggest a plan to impose new restrictions on visitors from parts of northern Italy in response to the coronavirus situation there. Read More
Japan to Quarantine all China and S. Korea Visitors
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announces new safeguard to quarantine all visitors for 2 weeks from coronavirus-hit China and South Korea, as well as parts of Iran. Read More
JAL, ANA offer free cancellations
Two of Japan's major airlines, JAL and ANA, are offering free refunds for all tickets through March 19th that have been canceled as a result of fears about the coronavirus. Read More
Travel Advisory: Visitors from Korea Regions Restricted Access
Visitors with a travel history to Korea's Daegu City or Cheongdo County within 14 days are being restricted access to Japan (Effective Feb 27th 2020). Read More
Travel Advisory: Visitors from China Regions Restricted Access
Visitors from Wuhan (Hubei)and Zhejiang Provinces are being restricted access to Japan and may not be allowed to land in Japan (Effective Feb 13th 2020).
Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory
Activities
Naeba Ski Resort
Culture
Toei Animation Museum
Closed temporarily until further notice, as part of nationwide anti-coronavirus measures.
Cancelled events
Covid in Japan FAQ
The World Health Organization's advice is as follows:
- Wash your hands regularly – with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol)
- Maintain social distancing – avoid those who are coughing or sneezing (at least 1m). Some countries are implementing lockdowns and recommending keeping 2m from strangers.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – potential points of entry for coronavirus particles
- Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth when you cough, and disposing of tissues promptly followed by washing hands.
- Wear a mask – wearing a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection. See their dedicated guidance here on face masks.
Summary: The WHO recommends wearing face masks as of June 2020.
If you are travelling in Japan, wearing a face mask in certain contexts (e.g. riding public transport, crowded areas) can be an effective measure as part of a wider strategy against infection/transmission, as per WHO guidelines.
Whether you are already in Japan, preparing for a trip, or are planning ahead, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This is both to insure against the prospect of unforeseen medical expenses if the need arise, but also against changing travel plans as the situation develops.
Note that it is essential to check your home country travel advice if you plan to travel to Japan. This is to ensure there is no impact on your insurance coverage.
Contact JNTO's Visitor Hotline. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operate a 24/7 visitor hotline service, available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can be called for assistance in case of accidents or emergencies relating to the coronavirus:
- From Japan 050-3816-2787
- From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787
If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:
- List of medical institutions with foreign-language services (English),
- The JNTO Hotline: 050-3816-2787
As of Oct 11th 2022, visitors can now enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days).
Official Japan travel advisories
Please consult these official advisories from countries overseas to gauge the current advice on travelling overseas at this time.
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| USA | Exercise Normal Precautions Updated: Oct 11th 2022 |
| UK | No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Oct 22nd 2021 |
| Singapore | No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: April 26th 2022 |
| Canada | No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: June 1st 2022 |
| Australia | No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022 |
| NZ | No travel restrictions in place for Japan Updated: Aug 1st 2022 |
Official resources
JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) |